LANSING (WKZO-AM) — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development found 12 credit card skimmers during a two-week statewide gas pump sweep.
Agency spokesperson Jennifer Holton says inspectors scoured the state in September, but found most of the digital information-stealing devices in west Michigan.
“Probably around a half-dozen — six or eight, I believe,” Holton said.
She also said the devices that were found are more sophisticated than bulkier, hide-in-plain-sight first-generation skimmers, which thieves would attach to the front of ATMs, gas pumps and other devices that take credit cards.
“You can’t actually see them from the pump,” Holton said. “The keys are fairly universal, they open up the pump and attach them to the credit card reader.”
Drivers are being urged to keep an eye on their credit statements after filling up.
– Anthony Pollreisz
